South Africa captain Laura Woolwardt She believes that her team’s repeated near misses at ICC events have made the team even more determined to win their first senior women’s world title. The South African captain also called for the return of the veteran pacer Shabnam Ismail The team has been promoted ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales.South Africa have reached three ICC T20 World Cup finals in men’s and women’s cricket in the last three years but are still looking for their first senior women’s ICC title.In the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup at home, South Africa lost to Australia by 19 runs in the final. A year later in Dubai, they were defeated by New Zealand by 32 runs in another final.Ahead of the upcoming tournament, Wollwardt said the team is finally motivated to go all the way.“Reaching back-to-back T20 World Cup finals has obviously been very special for us as a team, but I think it’s made us even hungrier to go one step further,” Wollwardt wrote in an ICC column.South Africa also finished as runners-up in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held in India last year after losing to the co-hosts. However, the team entered the T20 World Cup after winning the T20I series 4-1 at home against India led by Harmanpreet Kaur.“The India series was another good test against one of the strongest teams in the world,” Wollwardt said.“Winning this series gave the group a lot of confidence, but more importantly it showed the potential and resilience within the squad.“The players stepped up at different times and that’s what you need in a World Cup,” he added.Woolward himself had a strong run, scoring 330 runs in five T20Is at a strike rate of 168.37. His performances included a century and three half-centuries.“Personally, this has been one of my most enjoyable seasons,” Wollwardt said.“I think a big part of that has come from being clear in my game and just enjoying my cricket. I’ve tried not to put too much pressure on myself and instead focus on contributing in whatever way the team needs.”South Africa have been boosted by the return of Ismail, who retired from international cricket after the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup. The 37-year-old fast bowler returns with 297 international wickets and recent franchise cricket form.“We are very excited to have Shabneem Ismail back. Everyone knows the quality and experience she brings.”“She is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and one who can change the game very quickly.”“Apart from her skills, she also brings Geez (an Afrikaans word) to the group, and I know the team is delighted to have her back in the Proteas colors to hopefully help us take a step forward and lift the trophy,” she added.South Africa have been drawn in Group 1 of the Women’s T20 World Cup alongside India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.The tournament will feature a record prize pool of USD 8,764,615, a 10% increase from the 2024 edition.
